October 2018
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Baby Aubrey’s Story
Recently, a diverse group of clinicians came together to hear from Stephanie and Chris O’Connor on their recent medical obstetric experience at Northern Health as part of an ‘Ideas Lab’ session. Baby Aubrey was born in early May and due to a cardiac condition — shared by mum and bub — spent a fortnight with us in our Special Care Nursery, along with Stephanie in our Intensive Care Unit. The physical separation of Stephanie and Aubrey is unique and complex; mum needing cardiac monitoring in an adult environment and baby in the neonatal setting. The staff in both areas regularly…
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Length of Service Awards: Highlights & Photos
Recently, Northern Health celebrated the 2018 Staff Length of Service Awards, acknowledging 10 years of service right through to 45 years. Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, was delighted to present the awards to such committed and devoted staff. “One of the best things about Northern Health is our staff and all of you who have been here to see Northern Health grow, develop and become the key provider of trusted care in Melbourne’s north,” he said. “Whether you work in a clinical or support role – you all contribute to patient care.” Clinical Specialist, Swee Khor, has been with Northern Health…
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Broadmeadows Oldest Dialysis Patient Turns 90
Recently, Broadmeadows Hospital celebrated their oldest dialysis patient turning 90. Robert Langford commenced Haemodialysis in 2008 and has been dialysing with the Broadmeadows Hospital Unit for approximately 10 years. Given the nickname of ‘Bob the Builder’ because of his love for working with wood, Robert enjoys making toy trains, building blocks and chopping boards. Cheryl Rofe, Nurse Unit Manager, Renal Services at Broadmeadows Hospital, says everyone refers to Bob as the granddad of the unit. “Bob has been with us for such a long time – he is considered family,” she says. When Bob turned 90, the team at Broadmeadows…
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Annual & Open Board Meeting Highlights
The past year has been an outstanding success for Northern Health, and the Annual Meeting followed by the Open Board Meeting, was a great opportunity to hear more about the year’s achievements and to discuss strategies for the future. Board Chair, Jennifer Williams AM, opened the Annual Meeting by commending Northern Health for the continued improvement of quality and access to services during a period of sustained increase in demand. Our Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, highlighted that Northern Health’s services are underpinned by our commitment to patient safety and improving the patient experience. Over the last three years, we have…
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Rethink your drink
This week, Cancer Council Victoria launched a new campaign raising awareness about the link between sugary drinks and obesity, as well as certain cancers. A shocking advert showing toxic fat inside a patient’s body was featured as part of the campaign video. Amy Johns, Northern Health Clinical Dietician, says there are a large number of overweight and obese clients seen at Craigieburn Health Service every day. “I complete one-to-one individualised nutrition counselling sessions and find that sugar-sweetened beverages make up a large part of people’s diets nowadays,” she says. “These sugars are hidden in drinks and are high in kilojoules (i.e.…
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Paediatric Week: Be kind to your small person friends
Welcome to Paediatric Week – where we celebrate the paediatric population within our community and those presenting to Northern Health. The week will focus on education and awareness amongst our dynamic nursing staff who look after children across several departments. Educational sessions and skill stations will be held at Northern Hospital Epping, showcasing the diversity of paediatrics within Northern Health and ways to improve and promote healthcare delivery. Pamela Perera, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator, encourages all staff with an interest in paediatric nursing to attend. “These sessions will help staff to build knowledge and exposure in the management of our paediatric patients,”…
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Occupational Therapy Week
This week is Occupational Therapy (OT ) Week, where we celebrate the wonderful work of our occupational therapists in helping people at all stages of life reach their potential. Occupational Therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through therapeutic interventions. It assists with returning function to patients who have experienced a specific event such as injury or illness. Northern Health employs more than 60 occupational therapists who work in inpatient, ambulatory (outpatient) and community settings, providing services to all ages from newborns to seniors. Associate Director, Allied Health – Occupational Therapy, Sue Pike, is thankful…
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Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Week
This week we are encouraging staff to ‘Think Pink’, focus on breast cancer, and its impact on those affected in our community. Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). On average, 8 people die of breast cancer every day. The risk of being diagnosed with cancer by age 85 is 1 in 8 for women. However survival rates continue to improve, with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis. Northern Health Breast Care Nurse, Cheryl Murray, would like staff…